Chorizo Soup Recipe

When the weather starts to chill, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup to cozy up with. If you’re looking for something with a bit of spice and bold flavors, Chorizo Soup is the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds. This hearty and savory soup combines the richness of chorizo with a medley of fresh vegetables, beans, and spices, creating a flavor-packed meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something with a kick, Chorizo Soup will definitely hit the spot. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to fit your dietary preferences. From a few simple pantry staples to a handful of fresh ingredients, you can whip up this spicy, smoky soup in no time.

So, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!

If you’ve never made Chorizo Soup before, don’t worry – this recipe will walk you through the entire process step by step. This soup is loaded with flavors and textures that make it perfect for lunch or dinner, and you can even serve it as an appetizer for a larger gathering. The chorizo brings a savory richness to the soup, while beans and veggies add that perfect balance of freshness and heartiness.

Ingredients Needed

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to have all the ingredients at hand. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this zesty, satisfying soup:

Chorizo (1 Lb)

Choose either fresh or cured chorizo, depending on your preference. Fresh chorizo will give you a more crumbly texture, while cured chorizo will add a smokier depth of flavor.
Olive Oil (1 Tbsp)

For sautéing the chorizo and veggies.
Yellow Onion (1 Large, Chopped)

Onion adds a wonderful base flavor, bringing sweetness and complexity to the soup.
Garlic (3-4 Cloves, Minced)

Garlic is a must-have for adding that aromatic kick to your soup.
Carrot (1 Medium, Diced)

Carrots give a subtle sweetness and help balance out the spiciness of the chorizo.
Celery Stalks (2, Diced)

Celery adds a fresh crunch and a mild, earthy flavor to the mix.
Tomatoes (2 Large, Diced)

Tomatoes contribute acidity, which brightens the soup and balances the richness of the chorizo.
Chicken Or Vegetable Broth (4 Cups)

You’ll need a flavorful liquid base to carry the richness of the chorizo and vegetables. Chicken broth will add more depth, but vegetable broth can work well for a lighter option.
Canned Beans (2 Cans, 15 Oz Each – Black Beans, Kidney Beans, Or Pinto Beans)

Beans provide protein and fiber, making this soup a more filling meal.
Chili Powder (1 Tsp)

A pinch of chili powder adds depth of flavor and a little heat.
Cumin (1 Tsp)

Cumin gives the soup that warm, earthy flavor that pairs so well with the chorizo.
Paprika (1 Tsp)

Use smoked paprika if you want a deeper, smokier flavor to complement the chorizo.
Salt And Pepper (to Taste)

Always season to taste; this can make or break the flavor profile.
Fresh Cilantro (for Garnish)

Fresh cilantro adds a zesty brightness to the soup once it’s served.
Lime (1, Sliced For Garnish)

A squeeze of lime just before serving brings a citrusy punch that really brings the soup to life.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the cooking process. Don’t worry – it’s easy and enjoyable!

Cook The Chorizo

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, crumble the chorizo into the pot and cook until browned. Stir occasionally to break up the meat. The chorizo should render its fat and turn golden brown.
Sauté The Veggies

Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the chorizo. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and the onions become translucent.
Add Tomatoes & Spices

Toss in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Stir everything together to coat the veggies and chorizo with the spices. Let this cook for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down and release their juices.
Add Broth & Beans

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and add the drained and rinsed beans. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Lower the heat and let the soup cook for about 15-20 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld.
Season & Garnish

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Once you’re happy with the flavor, serve the soup in bowls and top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the role of each ingredient is key to appreciating the depth of this Chorizo Soup. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout ingredients:

Chorizo

Chorizo is the heart and soul of this soup. Its fatty, savory, and spiced nature infuses the soup with a rich flavor. Fresh chorizo gives a more crumbled texture, while cured chorizo adds a smoky undertone. If you’re looking to make a leaner version, you can swap the chorizo for turkey chorizo, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Beans

Beans in soups serve two main purposes: they add substance and help thicken the broth. Black beans are commonly used in Chorizo Soup because they absorb the flavors well and contribute a creamy texture when they break down a little.
Broth

The choice of broth plays a big role in determining the soup’s overall flavor. Chicken broth tends to be more robust and savory, while vegetable broth is a lighter, more neutral base. If you want to deepen the flavor, consider using bone broth, which will add even more richness.

Expert Tips

For A Thicker Soup

If you prefer a thicker, heartier soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup after cooking. This will break down the beans and vegetables into a creamy base while leaving the chunks of chorizo intact.
Adjusting Spice Levels

If you’re worried about the heat, use a mild chorizo or reduce the amount of chili powder and paprika. Alternatively, you can add a diced bell pepper or some diced sweet potatoes for extra sweetness to balance the heat.
Make Ahead & Store

Chorizo Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make a big batch, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in portions to reheat more easily.

Recipe Variations

Chorizo Soup is versatile and can be adapted to fit a variety of preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations you might want to try:

Vegetarian Version

Swap the chorizo for a plant-based chorizo or a combination of roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms. This keeps the heartiness of the soup while making it vegetarian-friendly.
Spicy Kick

If you’re a fan of extra heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers along with the onions and garlic. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for that extra spicy punch.
Dairy-Free

This soup is naturally dairy-free, but if you’re serving it with toppings like sour cream or cheese, you can easily skip those or substitute them with non-dairy options.
Add Some Greens

Throw in some spinach, kale, or Swiss chard toward the end of cooking for an added boost of nutrition. The greens will wilt perfectly into the soup without overwhelming the flavor.

Final Words

Chorizo Soup is the ultimate comfort food – rich, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter’s day or serving it to guests, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. The combination of smoky chorizo, hearty beans, and aromatic vegetables creates a balance of flavors that will leave you coming back for seconds.

Plus, this soup is incredibly adaptable. You can adjust the spice level, switch out ingredients, and make it your own with a few tweaks. The possibilities are endless!

Trending Recipes: